Nutrition Supplements

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), there are six dietary supplements that can help to ease the complications associated with Diabetes. Taking these supplements may also help to delay the on-set of Type 2 Diabetes in some cases.

Here is a brief description of the six most important supplements involved in Diabetes control:

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) is an antioxidant that can help to protect your cells against damage caused by free radicals. ALA helps to reduce oxidative stress on your cells, a condition that is caused by high blood sugar levels. Foods containing ALA include liver, spinach, broccoli and potatoes. Click on Alpha-Lipoic Acid for more details.

Chromium is an essential trace mineral as well as a metal that may help to reduce blood sugar levels when taken in low doses. The mineral is naturally found in many foods, such as meats, animal fats, fish, brown sugar, whole-what, rye breads, tea and coffee. While chromium may help to lower blood sugar, it has also proven to have dangerous side effects when taken in high doses. These side effects often include headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding and psychiatric problems. Click on Chromium for more details.

Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, is an antioxidant that has been shown to help cells make energy in some cases. Meats and seafood are the primary sources of CoQ10, but the vitamin may also be found in tablets and capsules. Click on Coenzyme Q10 for more details.

Garlic is a common household herb that has been known to have very effective medicinal purposes. While studies are mixed as to the true effectiveness of garlic in treating Type 2 Diabetes, it some tests claim that garlic may help to lower the risk of getting Diabetes when garlic is consumed regularly. However, consuming garlic in high doses may also lead to stomach disorders and diarrhea. Click on Garlic for more details.

The mineral Magnesium has been proven to have overall very good affects on the body, especially on the heart, nerves, muscles, bones and way glucose is processed in the body. Foods that contain high doses of Magnesium include leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds and some whole grains. Many people also get their doses of Magnesium through tablets and daily vitamin supplements.

People with Diabetes often have lower than normal levels of Magnesium in their systems. Therefore, taking a Magnesium supplement may help to boost the body’s overall health while also helping to reduce blood sugar levels. Click on Magnesium for more details.

Omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3s) are polysaturated fatty acids that are found in fish, fish oil, vegetable oils, walnuts, wheat germ and many dietary supplements. Omega-3s are often considered to be one of the most important dietary supplements because of the overall health benefits of the substance. Omega-3s not only help to lower triglyceride levels, but they have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke – two conditions that are very common for Diabetics. Click on Omega - 3 Fatty Acids for more details.